Jacqueline Spangler Washington, age 93

Sunrise Hello!       May 18, 1929

Sunrise to Peace & Grace!      February 3, 2023

 Jacqueline Spangler Washington, 93, of Cleveland, Ohio, born May 18, 1929, was a very devoted daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, former wife, friend, and … The greatest mother of all time! February 3, 2023 Jacqueline had a peaceful transition.

Education began as a student of Penn Township Elementary (Pennsylvania),  Cleveland Public Schools: Rutherford B. Hayes Elementary,  Kenard Junior High and graduate of Central High School, along with completing coursework at TRI-C.  After her 40-year career with the Cleveland Board of Education, Jacqueline retired June 1999.  Her 40-year career began as a Library Aid, to Special Assistant (Director of Transportation), and last retiring as the Transportation Specialist, involving routing the “yellow” school buses and special education vans for the school district.

Jacqueline sang soprano as a member of the Ambassadors of Good Will Choir in high school.  She also sang soprano as a member of the Central High School Acapella Choir (Josephine Walker, choir director).  Singing Acapella was one of her greatest joys and pride, as the choir performed throughout the city of Cleveland.  The Central High School Acapella was asked to no longer submit an application to compete in the annual city schools Acapella Choir competition, since they won every competition. Instead, The Central High School Acapella Choir would receive an invitation to perform each year as the guest choir.

“Ava Maria” (Franz Schubert, composer) is a favorite song, which she sang at the top of the Cleveland Public Library staircase during the holiday season.  Working as a high school student at the Cleveland Public Library, staff learned that Jacqueline sang beautifully and invited her to sing during the holiday season.  Staff members were surprised with her selection of Ava Maria. After her performance, Jacqueline was asked to meet with the library Director, who offered to arrange for a music and voice scholarship.  As a vocalist, Jacqueline performed at weddings, special events, celebrations, and brought tears to the eyes of many during her high school graduation solo performance.

Jacqueline had a terrific sense of humor and a mischievous nature. A quiet and unexpected courageousness embodied Jacqueline, often speaking up and initiating action to protect family, friends, and co-workers.  Jacqueline was sought after and known for being a caring listener with sound advice. She selflessly took an interest in supporting others.

Jacqueline delighted in family gatherings and celebrations.  She prepared the most beautiful holiday table settings, decorations, and meals for her family. For many years, Jo Ann Drive (Jacqueline & Lawrence’s(Pops) place, was the family gathering, cookout, overnight, and out-of-town destination. Only for special family gatherings, were the famous soft pink or green “Tom Collins Slushes” with a stimmed cherry.  Watch out … The hint of gin and chilled glass could take you by surprise and give you brain freeze!  The Tom Collins Slushes were a hit with everyone, including grandmommy and grandfather, uh-huh.

Most in demand were Pineapple Upside Down cakes prepared by Jacqueline only for special holidays and family occasions.   Inspired by a cooking show, one holiday a different cake recipe was proudly presented by Jacqueline, a quiet protest brewed due to the dislike, dismay, and serious objection by all, including Judy’s little white dog, who sniffed and walked away.

Jacqueline drove her stylish Toyota convertible up to the age of 90, wearing her colorful sun visor caps and  sporting stylish tennis shoes that many admired. Jacqueline loved driving and being the family designated driver for years while wearing one of her many “signature” fashionable driving gloves.  In the latter years of driving, Heinens, CVS, and Bed, Bath & Beyond were her favorite shopping spots.

She and Gregory (son) scheduled their special banking and shopping days, that she very much  enjoyed. They regularly scheduled apartment cleaning day too!  Jacqueline became excited when time to visit Gregory and enjoyed the variety of delicious and fancy dinners he prepared. She often asked, “wha’cha cooking good?”  She looked forward to the special times for sharing fond family memories and history with Gregory, that was their special bond.  Jacqueline enjoyed travel with Pamela(daughter) over the years on several bus tours (Martha’s Vinyard a favorite), and to several states when traveling, as a guest, with Pamela on business trips.  Over the years co-workers of Pamela grew fond of Jacqueline and looked forward to seeing her throughout the year at events.  Jacqueline loved live theatre, Broadway performances, the Opera, and going to the movie theatre as her favorite past time that she and daughter frequented often.  And, loved dancing solo to “That’s the Way of the World” (Earth, Wind & Fire).

Her creativity moved her to write three beautiful framed poems for her sisters June and Janett,  and her uncle describing their lives, their important family role, and her love for each.  She sent the most beautiful birthday cards each year to those near and dear to her heart (sisters, nieces and daughter), and particularly important to her, sending greeting cards to aging relatives.  Jacqueline designed greeting cards that she sold and gave as gifts with her fancy “created by” signature on the back.

Jacqueline always devoted time to the youth in our family. She sat and engaged in conversation, devoting time to each to let them know that they were important, special, generated great pride within her, and loved by her.  She rarely missed special events of young relatives at graduations, concerts, recitals, and more throughout the United States.  Jacqueline loved her family with a passion, giving her the idea to begin a tradition of “I Love You” phone calls.  Family members practiced the tradition of calling one another simply to say, “I Love You.”

Mommie valued family and held steadfast to the belief in prayer.  Mommie is preceded in death by Robert Seymore Spangler(father), Eddie Belle (mother) Spangler, and June Cody (sister), and  survived by: Janett Cabrere (sister), Robert Spangler (brother), Gregory (son), Pamela daughter), Victoria(step-daughter), and Valerie (step-daughter). And, a host of grand and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and awesome relatives throughout the United States.

In your honor: Mommie, Sister, Grandma-mommy, Grand mommy, Auntie-Em, Aunt Jackie, Auntie, J-Birds (Jacqueline, June and Janett:3-sisters), The Wizdoms(Jacqueline, June and Janett:3-sisters), Jacqueline, Jackie, Ms. Jackie, and, Diva … You will be deeply missed.  As You Loved Us …We Love You!

To each of you, a special “thank you” for contributing to the joy in the life of Mommie!

Ava, Jackie, Lynda, Cassandra, and Alexis.

Special Thank You So Very Much … Paula and Donald! Gary, Mitzi, Chelle,  Ruby, Camille, Jihan, Damon, Lisa, Derek, Deborah, and Vikki!!